Pediatric Dentistry

Kid’s Dentist

Formerly known as Pedodontics in US or Paedodontics in other regions around the globe, is a branch of dentistry that deals with children and teens. Since it is regarded as a specialty by the American Dental Association, dentists who have received a general Dentistry degree have to undergo a two or three-year training program before they can get their Pediatric Dentistry Certificate.

What is a Pediatric Dentist?
A Pediatric Dentist or a kid dentist is a dentist with vast knowledge in handling oral health problems that relate to infants, children, teens as well as children with disabilities. He or she knows how to make children comfortable even when faced with situations such as a syringe being driven into their gums or X-rays on their teeth.

Although some people may not understand the importance of taking their children to see a pediatric dentist as opposed to an ordinary dentist, it is important to do so. This is because children are fragile both on the inside and on the outside, therefore a person who is skilled in addressing these issues is required.

What Kind of Training Do Pediatric Dentists Have?
For one to be regarded as a Pediatric dentist, he or she must first have completed at least

1. Four years of Dental school and be a Degree holder.
2. Two to three years of specialized training on ways to treat and handle oral health problems relating to infants, children, teens, and children with disabilities.

What Type of Treatments Do Pediatric Dentists Provide?
When a bowl of sugar is left lying on the table unattended with children or teens around, chances are that they would go for it. In the long run, this habit may lead to an array of oral health problems which can only be tackled by a Pediatric dentist. Some of the treatments that they provide include;

1. Oral exams on infants which can help to establish the presence of carriers in mother and child.
2. Counseling on common habits by children that can affect their dentition.
3. Providing advice on appropriate foods to eat that will strengthen teeth as well as ideal teeth cleaning techniques suitable for teens and children.
4. Working on tooth defects or cavities.
5. Prevention and management of diseases that affect the gums.
6. Correcting or straightening teeth.
7. Treats fractured or missing teeth.

What is the Difference between a Pediatric Dentist and a Family Dentist?
Although it is a common norm that all dentists work alike, the truth of the matter is that different dentists fall into different groups or specialties. Currently, there are nine areas of specialty in dentistry recognized by the American Dental association with Pediatric Dentistry making the list. Individuals who have completed a four-year degree program and a further two year specialized program in infant, children, teen and children with special needs are regarded as Pediatric Dentists. They are specialized in handling all that pertains children’s and teen’s oral health problems. Family dentists, on the other hand, handle a wider variety of patient’s right from young people to adults.

What does it mean to be a Board Certified’?
In every profession, there exists a certifying body that ensures that the quality of education being offered is up to par or even higher than the world standard. In the case of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) is the certifying body. This certification helps to assure the public that the certified Pediatric Dentist has completed all the relevant details required to be an effective and competent pediatric dentist.

For a dentist to be regarded as a Board Certified’, he or she must complete his or her residency (Specialization course to be a Pediatric dentist) and a two-part examination provided by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Are all Pediatric Dentists Board Certified?
No. For one to be Board Certified, he or she must complete the two-part exam, an oral and a written one. Once he or she has been successful, then would he or she be regarded as a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry or simply a Board Certified.

When is it the right time for me to take my child to see a Pediatric Dentist?
Let’s face it, most people only go to the dentist when they have trouble eating or sleeping because of a tooth ache and will do the same thing to their children. Children’s teeth are very fragile and difficult to clean making it necessary for a child to see a kid dentist before trouble starts to set in. Some oral health problems can also affect your child’s way of talking if not treated early. Therefore, it is advisable to take your child to see a pediatric dentist once the first set of teeth have started to develop and not later than his or her first birthday.

How often should a Child See a Kid Dentist?
Waiting for an oral problem to kick in before you see a pediatric dentist is certainly not the way to go. For proper oral health care to your child or teen, ensure that you take him or her for dental checkups every six months. However, should you notice any cavities or anything that may look suspicious, consult your kid dentist immediately.

How does a Pediatric Dentist Calm an Anxious Child?
Although the way kids are raised vary from one homestead to another, their urge for a sense of security usually remains constant. They like to be talked to in a friendly manner and assured that everything will be alright during a dental checkup or treatment. One popular way in which pediatric dentists help to calm anxious or frightened children and teenagers is by directing their minds to something else. For instance, they can engage them in what they like or promise them something nice after the procedure.

Where can I find a Pediatric Dentist?
With the world of Internet upon us, looking for information is much easier than it was a decade ago. Simply use a search engine such as Google to find a kid dentist in your hometown. However, the best way to find the best Pediatric dentist would be by consulting your kid’s Pediatrician. He or she would be glad to link you with a good one.